Fraction Pieces

The Ministry is migrating nzmaths content to Tāhurangi.           
Relevant and up-to-date teaching resources are being moved to Tāhūrangi (tahurangi.education.govt.nz). 
When all identified resources have been successfully moved, this website will close. We expect this to be in June 2024. 
e-ako maths, e-ako Pāngarau, and e-ako PLD 360 will continue to be available. 

For more information visit https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/updates-to-nzmaths

Achievement Objectives
NA3-5: Know fractions and percentages in everyday use.
NA2-5: Know simple fractions in everyday use.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Identify the symbols for halves, quarters, thirds, fifths, and tenths including fractions greater than 1.

Identify symbols for any fraction, including tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and those greater than 1.

Description of Mathematics

Number Framework Stages 5 and 6

Required Resource Materials
Activity

Background

How to name fractions is not obvious for many students. It is important that the students know that most fraction words end in a “th”. For such words, the link to the symbol is clear. For example, one-eighth links to (the denominator is eight). Unfortunately the fractions that are most commonly encountered do not obey this rule; halves, thirds, and quarters are not clearly linked to their symbols , , by the “th” clue at the end of the word. Linking the words to their symbols needs constant repetition throughout all fraction activities.

Activity

Get the students to sort similar fraction pieces and then create whole circles. Record the words for the unit fractions and their symbols on the board or modelling book.

Ask the students to choose the matching piece and describe what the whole (1) looks like. Extend this to writing non-unit fractions like , , and for the students to model.

Activity

 

fractionpieces.

 Draw a circle on the board or modelling book with two unequalpieces. Discuss why these pieces are not halves. Extend this to three and four equal and non-equal divisions and ask the students to identify the thirds and quarters (fourths).
 

Add to plan

Log in or register to create plans from your planning space that include this resource.


Level Two
Level Three